“How long does it take to recover from ear reduction surgery?”

Hello, usually there is minimal pain with otoplasty. There is a head strap that remains on for one week, and then at night for two more weeks.

If your ears stick out too far, this can be corrected with sedation under local anesthesia. Bruising for me lasts 4 or 5 days. There are no scars visible. The incision is made behind your ear just behind the curl (not in the back of your ear and is invisible). Reshaping by recreating the antehelical fold (the cartilage roll so your ears don't project too far is the procedure performed). Post operative treatment is usually simply a head band comfortably for maybe the first night for protection but nothing during the day. You will like the result the next day and bruises are gone in several days.

Thank you for that question. I'm assuming that you are referring to a surgery to make the ears less prominent, is that correct? I can appreciate your concern about that recovery. I have actually had that operation myself when I was about 16 years old. The ears are wrapped for security and protection for the first few days. After that, you are able to shower, and you will probably want to wear a skier's head band at night for about a month to protect the ears from accidentally turning over in your sleep. Tenderness varies from patient to patient. For the first couple of days, the ears may throb a little, but the strong early pain settles down quickly and is well controlled with good pain medication. The ears should be looking very good within a couple of weeks.
I hope that answers your question. All the Best!

David N. Clayton, MD, FACS

Bruising resolves after 7-10 days. Pain is minimal.

You will only need a day or two off work, but you are not considered healed till all incisions are healed and 8 weeks out from surgery.